I have read your letter & am glad to find that you are well & things getting on at Arlington. Do give proper directions about the Fodder as it will be very valuable this year. I do not think anything will be done in selling land till the Rail Road is laid off. I expect to leave this on Monday next the 19th for New York, stay there on Tuesday & Wednesday & go to Baltimore on Thursday & on Friday to be in the City, 11 o'clock cars so I shall wish Daniel to come over with the carriage on Friday the 23rd & if I am not there then on Saturday the 24th. He must not mind the weather. This is my present plan if nothing happens to prevent me. I will write you so as for you to get the letter on Tuesday the 20th.
Truly my D'Sir
Yr friend & Svt,
George W.P. Custis
Robert Ball Esq.
To Robert Ball Esq
Bales X Roads
near Alexandria Virginia
To be given to Daniel from Arlington
Did You Know?
Robert E. Lee and wife Mary had seven children, three boys and four girls. Six of the seven were born at Arlington House. Only Custis, their oldest son, was born elsewhere, at Fort Monroe, Virginia. All of the Lee children lived to adulthood.